The majority of players from the Philippine men’s volleyball team, currently competing in the Southeast Asian Volleyball League, will lead the country’s campaign in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, this September.
On Sunday, Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNFV) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara announced that this marks the country’s return to the Asian Games after 49 years.
“The last time the Philippines played in the Asian Games was in 1974 in Tehran, where the country finished in sixth place,” said Suzara. “So this is a welcome return for us.”
The troika of Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, and Steven Rotter are among the anticipated leaders for the Philippines’ Asiad comeback.
Suzara expressed that the combination of Rotter’s youth power and the wealth of experience from the Bagunas-Espejo duo could work wonders for the Philippines in what is expected to be a tough Asiad campaign.
“I think we’re back at the level of men’s volleyball. We have new young players coming in, and with the experience of Bagunas and Espejo, it will drive more encouragement and enthusiasm for our national team,” Suzara said.
“I hope that the men’s volleyball development will continue. I know we have a lot of work to do in many aspects,” he added. “But we will get there.”
